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10/23/2000 - 00008803THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL OF OCTOBER 23, 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 Billings, Councilmember Wolfe, and Councilmember Bolkcom MEMBERS ABSENT: None 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 MINUTES: City Council Meetin.°� of September 25, 2000 (Amended� City Council Meetin� of October 9, 2000. APPROVED. OLD BUSINESS: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1145 TO AMEND THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FRIDLEY, MINNESOTA, BY ADDING AN APPROVED SITE TO CHAPTER 205, "ZONING," TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS, SECTION 205.30, APPENDIX A: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that this request was to authorize an "approved site" for Qwest Wireless, LLC, in the 0-5, Telecommunication District. Qwest is proposing to FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 2 install a cylindrical antenna on the top of a NSP pole in front of Menard's on Cheri Lane, subject to the following four stipulations: 1) The ground equipment shall be installed above grade with the vegetation proposed in the landscaping plan, and the landscaping shall be maintained by the petitioner; 2) Ground equipment and the cylinder on top of the pole shall be colored brown to match the MnDOT equipment; 3) The petitioner shall submit a copy of the joint use agreement with NSP to the City prior to the installation of the service, and 4) No additional antenna may be installed on the subject NSP pole, other than the two proposed in the application. Council passed first reading of the ordinance on October 9. Staffrecommended Council's approval. WAIVED THE READING AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 1145 ON SECOND READING AND ORDERED PUBLICATION. NEW BUSINESS 2. VARIANCE EXTENSION, VAR #99-18, BY JOSEPH LACONIC, TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITION, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 6644 ARTHUR STREET N.E. (WARD 2): Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that on August 25, 1999, the Appeals Commission granted a variance for a rear yard setback from 27.69 feet to 22.69 feet. There was no opposition from the neighborhood, and the Commission unanimously approved it. The homeowner states that he can construct the addition by August 25, 2001. Staff recommended Council's approval. APPROVED VARIANCE EXTENSION, VAR #99-18. NEW BUSINESS: 3. RESOLUTION NO. 98-2000 APPROVING A PLAT, P.S. #00-02 (MISTY ADDITION), BY BRICKNER BUILDERS TO REPLAT PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING LOTS TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES, GENERALLY LOCATED AT 7440 BACON DRIVE N.E. (WARD 2): Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the City Council approved the preliminary plat on October 9, 2000 subject to several stipulations. The petitioner met the requirements for final platting. Staff recommended Council's approval. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-2000. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 99-2000 ELECTING TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LOCAL HOUSING INCENTIVES ACCOUNT PROGRAM UNDER THE METROPOLITAN LIVABLE COMMUNITIES ACT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2001: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the City of Fridley has participated in the Livable Communities Program for the last five years. Participation in the program enables the City to access regional grant funds that would not otherwise be available. By FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 3 participating, the City has received funding for two pollution cleanup projects under the State's Tax Base Revitalization Program (Dealers Manufacturing and Murphy Warehouse on the Cummins Power Campus). E�tra points are also awarded on federal applications for transportation funding and on housing program funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Staff recommended Council's approval. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 99-2000. 5. RESOLUTION NO. 100-2000 CERTIFYING CERTAIN DELINQUENT UTILITY SERVICES TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR FOR COLLECTION WITH THE 2001 TAXES: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that this is the annual certification to Anoka County for the City's delinquent water and sewer accounts. Each property owner has been notified numerous times regarding the need for payment. The property owners will be provided an opportunity to pay without penalty up to thirty days after the adoption of this resolution. ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 100-2000. 6. MOTION TO RESCIND RIVERVIEW HEIGHTS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DEFERRAL: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that on August 14, 2000, a special assessment deferral was approved for Marie Streich in the amount of $1,000. On August 25, 2000, Ms. Streich signed a request to eliminate the deferral and have it assessed to her property taxes. RESCINDED RIVERVIEW HEIGHTS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DEFERRAL. 7. APPOINTMENT-CITY EMPLOYEES: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended that Council appoint Mr. Paul Eisenmenger to the Accountant position recently vacated by Julie Vogel. Mr. Eisenmenger has been employed by the State Auditor's Office where he monitored compliance with the State's Tax Increment Financing Laws. Prior to serving with the State, Mr. Eisenmenger was an accounting consultant with Frank Consulting, LLP. He has also held accounting positions with Norwest Mortgage Services and Computer Petroleum Corporation. He holds a B. S. Degree in Public Accounting from Metropolitan State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Burns stated that we are also recommending that Chad 7anezich be promoted from Part-Time Liquor Store Clerk to full-time Lead Liquor Store Clerk (replacing Greg Zurbey). He is a Fridley resident. He has been with the liquor store operations since May 27, 1999. APPOINTED PAUL EISENMENGER AND CHAD JANEZICH. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 4 8. CLAIMS: APPROVED CLAIM NOS. 95930 THROUGH 96150. 9. LICENSES: APPROVED ALL LICENSES AS SUBMITTED AND AS ON FILE WITH THE LICENSE CLERK. 10. ESTIMATES: APPROVED ESTIMATES AS FOLLOWS: Carl J. Newquist, Esq. Newquist & Ekstrum, Chartered 301 Fridley Plaza Office Building Fridley, MN 55432-4381 Services Rendered as City Attorney for the Month of July, 2000 W.B. Miller, Inc. 6701 Norris Lake Road N.W. Elk River, NIN 55330 2000 Street Improvement Project No. ST. 2000-1 FINAL ESTIMATE W.B. Miller, Inc. 6701 Norris Lake Road N.W. Elk River, NIN 55330 Rice Creek Boulevard East Watermain Repair Project No. 334 Estimate No. 1 Lametti & Sons, Inc. 16028 Forest Blvd. N. Hugo, NIN 55038 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Lining Project No. 329 Estimate No. 1 Ron Kassa Construction 6005-250th Street East Elko, MN 55020 2000 Miscellaneous Concrete Curb and Gutter and Sidewalk Project No. 330 Estimate No. 6 $16, 928.00 $35,254.06 $30,309.51 $51,926.05 $ 8,443.79 FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 5 APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to approve the proposed consent agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adopt the agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGESNON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OPEN FORUM, VISITORS: Mr. Don Findell, 6850 Siverts Lane, asked if the wording proposed on the Charter Amendment means that if people do not vote on this issue, if their vote would actually be counted as a"no." Councilmember Billings stated that it would be fifty-one percent (51%) of those that are actually voting on the issue. Mr. Findell stated that it looked like this amendment was trying to micromanage the City. He did not agree with that, since Council was elected to make those decisions. Councilmember Billings stated that this is a matter up to the voters to determine. There are three ways for a Charter to be changed. The Charter Commission reviews the Charter from time to time. They make recommendations to the City Council about any changes or updates. If Council votes unanimously to support those changes, they then become law. If the Council does not agree, the Charter Commission can take things to the ballot to ask if the changes are good. The third way is by an initiative of a certain percentage of the voters. The City Manager talked to some people who spearheaded this project and asked them to refer it to the Charter Commission to review and possibly clean up the language a little. These people chose to have it go right to the ballot. Councilmember Billings said the troubling thing is the one clause that talks about discretionary charges being put to the voters at a municipal election. If a dog ran in front of your car and you swerved to avoid the dog and hit a fire hydrant, typically the City would bill your insurance company for the repairs. Under this proposal, Council would not be able to charge an insurance company. The City would have to wait until the election of 2002 to ask the voters to vote on whether or not Council could charge the insurance company to repair the fire hydrant. Council could end up with a ballot totally horrendous with anywhere from 200 to 300 items similar to this. Mr. Findell stated that is his opinion also. He asked what would happen if the Metropolitan Sewer Commission decided to raise its rates. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 6 Councilmember Billings stated that if the rate went up more than the cost of living, the City would not be able to pass those rates on until after a municipal election. Councilmember Billings asked Mr. Findell if he was asked by any members of the City Council to propose these questions. Mr. Findell responded that he came to the meeting on his own to clear up his questions. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 10. TO EVALUATE THE CABLE SYSTEM FRANCHISE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY WIDEOPENWEST MINNESOTA, LLC (CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER 9, 2000 : Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended that the hearing be continued because they are not making much progress with WideOpenWest. WideOpen West is negotiating several other franchises with other cities. Councilmember Billings asked Mr. Burns if the I-Net, connecting School District Nos. 14, 16 and 13 and the City of Fridley buildings together, will need a second institutional I-Net. He asked what the cost was of the I-Net to install. He also asked if those school districts have been contacted to see if they are in need of an additional I-Net. The costs of the installation will be passed onto the users of the system. If there is already an institutional I-Net in place that is adequate, it would seem silly to be asking them to provide an additional one. Councilmember Billings stated that there are provisions for WideOpenWest to get together with any other cable companies that are in town for public access and PEG (public, educational, and government). There is also a requirement that certain funds be paid on a periodic basis to the City of Fridley. Council should be well advised that the State legislature is looking at a number of things in terms of telecommunications because there is such a crossover between telephone companies and Internet companies and cable television companies. Cities do not issue franchises and regulate telephone or the Internet companies. The State of Minnesota is looking at taking on that responsibility. It would make more sense to try to get a lump sum up front payment because once the City receives the payment, it belongs to the City. If it is spread out over a period of years, it is likely it will go to the State of Minnesota. Council should be very careful with what they are doing with these ongoing future fees. Mr. Burns stated that the negotiations are a work in progress, so he would have to come back with more answers at a future Council meeting. Councilmember Billings stated that they are in a public hearing process, and it is a matter of asking questions and getting answers. Mayor Jorgenson asked if WideOpenWest is negotiating a contract with Columbia Heights. She also asked if this would affect that school district also. Councilmember Billings stated that he does not know exactly what School District Nos. 13 and 16 are doing, but they already have systems in place for communication and transfer of data between their schools. Staff could check to make sure there is a need for this item. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 7 Mr. Burns stated that they are in the process of installing fiber optic cable. Councilmember Billings stated that that is what they are using in lieu of the I-Net. Councilmember Bolkcom asked how long this item should be tabled. Mr. Burns stated that there is not a specific date. Staff recommended it be tabled until further notified. Mayor 7orgenson asked how they would notify the public. Mr. Knaak stated that they do not have to give notice. The City can give notice as a public service, but there is no legal obligation. Mr. Burns stated that this would get a lot of play on the Cable TV channel. Councilmember Billings stated that the original notification for the meeting went out about one month ago. At that time, it was continued until the last meeting, but nobody showed up to discuss this. Nobody has showed up at this meeting either. Ample opportunity has been provided. If no additional notice is put into the public notices, he does not know that they are doing a disservice. Mayor Jorgenson stated that she thought Councilmember Billings was correct. She said that staff may want to notify the representative from Time/Warner. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to continue the public hearing to a date as determined by staff. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 12. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 17 (GATEWAY EAST PROJECT) (WARD 1): MOTION by Councilmember Billings to open the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING AS OPENED AT 7:45 P.M. Mr. Fernelius, HRA Housing Coordinator, stated that he wanted to address the Tax Increment Financing Plan and then Real Estate Equities would talk a little about their project. The Gateway East Project is located at the northeast corner of 57th and University Avenues behind the Valvoline site. The redevelopment area includes the former Cash N' Pawn and JR's Automotive, as well a duplex and two vacant parcels. This is an important entrance into the community. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) began working on this project in 1998 and has acquired all of the sites. The buildings have been cleared at this point. The HRA solicited redevelopment proposals in July of this year. Out of two proposals, the HRA selected Real Estate Equities of St. Paul. They plan on building a 28-unit, owner-occupied townhome FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 8 development. The developer indicated that the units would have a price range from $126,000 to $142, 000. The HRA has agreed to sell the land to the developer for $1.00 and will contribute $546,000 towards site improvements. A potential revenue sharing plan would split net revenues, if there are any, after the project has been completed. The TIF district is a tool for the HRA to recover some of its costs. The HRA can recoup a portion of the increased taxes over a 25-year period once the district is created. The HRA has incurred a number of expenses from this project including land acquisition, demolition, relocation, and clean-up costs. The additional expenditures the HRA is paying for are site improvements such as streets and utilities along University Avenue. Mr. Fernelius stated that the TIF plan contemplates a 28-unit townhome development that would generate $70,820 of new taxes per year or about $65,144 in tax increment on an annual basis. The life of the district is 25 years. The total tax increment is appro�mately $1,900,000. That is net after administrative expenses have been deducted. There were a number of assumptions. The average sale price of $160,000, which is higher than what the developer had proposed, and the two percent (2%) inflation rate and construction beginning in 2001 was assumed. Staff would first receive the tax increment in 2003. This public hearing is the first step for the TIF district process. The TIF plan has been submitted to Anoka County and the local school districts. On November 2 the HRA will take action to create the district. The HRA needs to approve the redevelopment contract with REE on the same evening. The City Council will consider this item again on November 6 to approve the district, as well as the modifications to the overall development plan. This is all separate from the land use approval process. Mr. Keith Janz, Vice-President of Development of Real Estate Equities (REE), stated that Chris Winter, the project manager, was also present tonight. Mr. Janz stated that their company has done a number of redevelopment townhome projects in the metropolitan area. This fits into the development programs he has worked with. The company likes the location of the site. They are proposing that Besanz Brothers Development Company and HKS Architects and Engineers be involved in assistance. City staff came up with the vision and the land for the project. REE would act as a developer, project manager. HKS would work out the design and layout of the site, and Besanz Brothers would work on the budgeting and construction of the project. REE is the fifth largest development company in the Twin City area. They have about 3,000 units and contract/manage over 1,500 units for other property owners. They have had over five hundred individual and institutional partners. They have concentrated on working with local governments and non-profits over the last five years. Mr. Janz stated that they could customize the project and the site. They have done a good job working with staff in trying to match what Fridley needs. REE is more of a production builder than a custom builder but are able to adjust the project. Once they have locked into a project, they stick with it. They are proposing 28 walk-through units with two bedrooms and tuck under garages. There are eight separate buildings. Six buildings will be having three-unit buildings, and two will five-unit buildings. They have front porches with a split entry and rear decks off the back The base price is $126,000 to $142,000. The target market would be for single professionals, couples, young families, widowers, and recent divorcees. The buildings would have an internal courtyard that the buildings would face with a walkway in the middle. The building would have a split entry level design. The will be lattice work under the decks. In between the buildings where the windows are located, there would be brick banding. The rear FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 9 entry has the deck off the living room area and is large enough to actually use it. There are two entries going into the back so you would not have to go through only the garage to get in. Mr. 7anz stated that the units have a door in the lower level by the upper left corner where you would come in and walk through by the foyer. This gives you a second entrance and gives an e�tra room for an entry for the back door, storage, or another bedroom because there is a full window there. The main level would have a split entry, with the lower part having a front porch. There is a nice size entryway. The bathroom is large, and the kitchen is u-shaped. The cupboards are open to the dining and living areas, which are interchangeable. The doors walk out to the deck. Upstairs there are two bedrooms with a master bath, walk-in closet, second bedroom, storage and a laundry area. REE is continuing to look at the design to make them as efficient as possible. Mr. Burns asked what the footprint on the main level was. Mr. Janz stated that it is 24 feet by 35/36 feet. The total project cost is about $4,326,000. They would have a construction loan of about $2,800,000. They sell the units and then reinvest the sale proceeds to help minimize the construction loan. They would like to be a partner with the City and are a great, experienced team that has worked on redevelopment and for sale townhomes. Councilmember Barnette asked Mr. 7anz what the association costs would be. Mr. Janz stated that they would be appro�mately between $125 and $13 5 per month for 2000. Councilmember Barnette asked when construction would begin, and when they would be up for sale. Mr. Janz stated that construction would probably start May 1, and the houses would be for sale around October. Councilmember Barnette asked where the project in Columbia Heights was and if it was under construction now. Mr. Janz stated that it is by the old Columbia Heights High School and is a 22-unit tax credit project. On the corner they are proposing to build a 50-unit assisted living project. That will be starting this fall. Councilmember Barnette asked Mr. Fernelius why the discrepancy in cost that he projected of $162,000 per unit versus Mr. Janz' cost. Mr. Fernelius stated that they try to anticipate the ma�mum revenue a project would generate. That gives fle�bility in the event that the City does generate those revenues. If the City generated the projected developer's sales prices they would have to modify the TIF plan. Mayor Jorgenson stated that some concerns she has heard from the neighborhood is that people would purchase these and only live in them a short time. She asked if there was anything in the association that would not allow this to happen. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 10 Mr. Janz stated that is absolutely prohibited. It is not a possibility. The association does not even allow short-term rentals. These are individually platted townhouses. Councilmember Billings asked Mr. Casserly, the Financial Consultant for the HRA, for more information on the discrepancy of the selling price. He stated this would impact the projections for the TIF. The Governor's big tax plan will take all the real estate funding off of the real estate taxes. Mr. Casserly stated that the HRA tries to be at the topside of the tax increment evaluation because the costs exceed what the available revenues are. The HRA needs to ma�mize every tax increment dollar they can. The cost of the units are in the $150,000 range. The valuation is probably around the low $140,000 range. Staff has ma�mized the amount because they are not exactly certain until they are constructed. Councilmember Billings asked what happens if the valuation comes in at $135,000. Mr. Casserly stated that this project is already so far into the hole that it does not make a difference whether they generate $900,000 or $1,000,001. It is already $700,000 in the hole. The HRA is just trying to make sure they ma�mize the amount that they can get out of this project. The funds have already been spent. Staff will be changing a commercial use to a residential use. Staff is making an application to the state to try to get some redevelopment grants. The State does assist with pollution grants. These are tough projects. Councilmember Billings asked if he meant that $160,000 is not intended to show the HRA how much money they will get out of this project it to show the State of Minnesota, so if the number comes in that high, the City would be able to keep all the money. He wanted to know if more money came in than what was planned, would the City have to give that up. Mr. Casserly stated that is correct. The HRA always overstates so that school district, County and State can never suggest that they are underestimating cost or values. Mr. Casserly said that he did not have any more knowledge dealing with the second question than anybody else. Until the concepts are reduced to legislation, one can do a lot of guessing about how this will shake up. If the State were to literally pick up all of the school costs, it would reduce property taxes. He suspected it may not be the case. There may be more adjustments in class rates. As the State picks up more cost for schools, it means that it will reduce the costs for the city and the county. The City will have to budget to pick up those costs and to levy for those. They may increase levies to cities. Mayor Jorgenson asked Mr. Casserly if it is his feeling that if the Governor's plan happens, everything will pretty much balance up. Mr. Casserly stated that he thought it was the only way to proceed. In projects like this, if every community waited to find out what the legislature did. MOTION by Councilmember Billings to close the public hearing. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 8:25 P.M. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 11 NEW BUSINESS: 13. RESOLUTION NO. 101-2000 RECEIVING THE PRELIMINARY REPORT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER OF CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS: MOORE LAKE HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. ST. 2001 — 1: Mr. Flora, Public Works Director, stated that the residents of this area are currently going around with a petition for the project. In order to continue to proceed, the City will need to hold a public hearing to receive the petition and to have the public's input. Councilmember Wolfe thanked Mr. Flora, Mr. Haukaas, and all the neighbors that attended the meeting. He said the neighbors were impressed by the presentation. MOTION by Councilmember Wolfe to adopt Resolution No. 101-2000. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 14. RESOLUTION NO. 102-2000 ORDERING PRELIMINARY PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES OF THE COSTS THEREOF: SPRINGBROOK CREEK CHANNELIZATION PROJECT NO. 335: Mr. Flora, Public Works Director, stated that they received a petition from residents of the Springbrook Creek channel on Ironton Street. Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Flora how many people signed that petition. Mr. Flora stated that eight properties signed the original petition. They have since identified five properties directly affected by the project. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if it makes sense to wait on this project until more is known about the project in Springbrook Nature Center. Mr. Flora stated that the Springbrook Nature Center project is for water quality, aesthetics of the nature center, and the water coming in. This proposed project is dealing with erosion that is occurring on a number of homes on Ironton Street, and to armor the banks of the creek to protect the properties from losing additional soils. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if changing the weirs in the nature center would change this proj ect. Mr. Flora stated that this is an erosion project, the City is not controlling the flow. Ms. Maria St. Arnold and Mr. Scott St. Arnold, 350 Ironton Street, stepped to the podium. Ms. St. Arnold stated that Mr. Haukaas gave them estimations on cost. They are excited that the other cities got on board to deal with this problem. Their concern is that $14,000, their share, is FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 12 distressing for them. They have already spent a lot of money themselves working on this problem and feel that this a hardship on a private citizen. They are willing to chip in on this project but have already put in a lot of hard work and money. Mr. St. Arnold stated that he had a landscaper over to estimate if Mr. Haukaas estimation is close. The landscaper thought Mr. Haukaas' estimation was a little excessive. Mr. St. Arnold was concerned where the prices came from. Councilmember Bolkcom stated the prices are only estimates right now. The resolution is to order the plan to have better cost estimates. Mr. Flora stated that was correct. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that the other big issue compared to the other bank stabilization projects, such as Rice Creek, is that this is a watershed that has never had any ad valorum ta�ng. Mr. St. Arnold asked if some of the money in the grant was for bank stabilization. Mr. Flora stated that there is a project where Springbrook Nature Center plans to do some work on erosion within the nature center only. Mayor Jorgenson asked if the estimate included any City participation. Mr. Flora stated that the City would participate fifty percent (50%) for the project. The property owners would participate based upon their footage along the creek. Ms. St. Arnold stated that she was aware that the boulders they already put in would be built upon. Mr. Flora stated that was correct. They would build along in front of it. Ms. St. Arnold stated that it would be destruction of their property. The integrity of their foundation is being threatened. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that Council does not disagree with the St. Arnolds. She does not know what the answer is. The issue is that this is a different watershed, and there is not money being levied every year for this project. Mr. St. Arnold stated that it has been a City caused problem. Mr. Burns stated that it is caused by developments in the Northtown area and the developments in other cities. Mayor Jorgenson stated that the City would contribute fifty percent (50%) of this cost toward the project. The City can only go out and seek additional grants. Councilmember Bolkcom asked what a pipe would do. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 13 Mr. Flora stated that with a pipe, the water would still go over the road and continue flowing naturally downstream toward East River Road. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if the materials used would be similar to the Stonybrook project. Mr. Flora stated that a keystone type of material would be used versus gabioens? to protect the banks from erosion. The creek would be ten feet wide, and the sides of the bank will be four feet high along the property. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that the City has a policy for storm water management. It would not be fair to the other properties to amend this policy. Ms. St. Arnold stated that they have already put so much money into their bank They do not know how much credit they are getting for all their hard work. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that they realize it is a huge expense, but it is not the City's policy to give credit for work already done. Mr. St. Arnold stated that Mr. Haukaas stated that the boulders that he already placed there were going to be used as fill. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that the St. Arnolds could remove them. Mr. Flora stated that was correct. Essentially, a wall will be built in front of their e�sting bank. Mr. St. Arnold asked if the privacy fence will be taken down and reinstalled by the City. Mr. Flora stated that would be completed by the contractor. Mayor Jorgenson stated that she knows this is a difficult issue. There are only five properties affected costwise by this project which increases the cost. Right now there are only estimates. Ms. St. Arnold stated that they are trying to work with everybody here and would appreciate it if they could be made aware of any additional grant money. Mr. Mark Blair, 355 Hugo Street, stated that he was unaware all this was going on. He just came to the Council evening to see what was going on. He asked if there will there be another meeting. Mr. Flora stated that there will be a public hearing on November 20. Councilmember Bolkcom asked if there was a letter sent out to the other properties. Mr. Flora stated that a letter was sent to the five properties indicating the cost estimates. MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 102-2000. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette. FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MINTUES OF OCTOBER 23, 2000 PAGE 14 UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 15. RESOLUTION NO. 103-2000 RECEIVING THE PRELIMINARY REPORT AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MATTER OF CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS: SPRINGBROOK CREEK CHANNELIZA- TION PROJECT NO. 335 (WARD 3): MOTION by Councilmember Bolkcom to adopt Resolution No. 103-2000. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe. Councilmember Bolkcom asked Mr. Flora if letters were going to be sent out to the property owners regarding this to make sure they know when the meeting will be. Mr. Flora stated that is correct. It will also be published in the newspaper. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 16. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS: Mr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the annual Halloween event at the Springbrook Nature Center will be held October 28. Councilmember Bolkcom stated that this is Mr. Flora's last City Council meeting. She said he has always had the public's interest at heart. She said that Council appreciated all of his hard work She said they will miss him. Councilmember Barnette wished him well. Mayor Jorgenson stated that she wished him well and that he will be missed. ADJOURN: MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Bolkcom. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR JORGENSON DECLARED THE OCTOBER 23 2000, CITY COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Signe L. Johnson Nancy J. Jorgenson Recording Secretary Mayor