11/18/2002 - 00024702MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL OF
NOVEMBER 18, 2002
The Regular Meeting of the Fridley City Council was called to order by Mayor Lund at 7:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Lund led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Lund, Councilmember Barnette, Councilmember Billings,
and Councilmember Wolfe
Councilmember Bolkcom
OTHERS PRESENT: William W. Burns, City Manager
Jon H. Haukaas, Public Works Director
Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Richard D. Pribyl, Finance Director/Treasurer
Frederick Knaak, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
City Council Meeting of October 28, 2002
City Council Meeting of November 4, 2002
City Council Meeting of November 7, 2002
Mayor Lund stated the following corrections should be made to the Minutes of October 28, 2002:
(1)
(2)
(3)
On page 3, second paragraph, it should state NIr. "Myhra" and "comprehensive
plan for the City" (not "for Brandes Place");
On page 11, Item No. 8, the year in the title should read "2002" not "20021;" and,
On page 22, tenth paragraph, it should read "federal government keeps requiring
"more" instead of "less."
APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS.
OLD BUSINESS:
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 2
1. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 102 OF THE
FRIDLEY CITY CODE REPEALING THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated the ordinance amended Chapter 102 of the Fridley City
Code. While Police Civil Service Commissions were once considered necessary for
insuring that police officers would be selected in an objective manner, other federal and
state legislation now preserved the integrity of this process without requiring the assembly
of a Police Civil Service Commission. He said the Civil Service Commission met on
several occasions to discuss this issue and agreed that the Commission should be
dissolved.
THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED
ON THE REGULAR AGENDA.
NEW BUSINESS
2. RESOLUTION NO. 65-2002 AUTHORIZING CHANGES IN APPROPRIATIONS
FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR JANUARY THROUGH OCTOBER, 2002:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated these were changes that resulted from unexpected
donations, reimbursements, and expenditures. He said they included General Fund
revenue and expenditure adjustments of $45,751, a transfer of $8,610 from the Storm
Water Fund to the Grant Management Fund to provide the local match for the Clean
Water Partnership Grant the City received this year from the MPCA, and a Capital
Improvement Fund adjustment of $16,156 for relamping the Municipal Center. Staff
recommended Council's approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 65-2002.
3. RESOLUTION NO. 66-2002 PROVIDING FOR SEWER RATE INCREASE:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended a sewer rate increase of 3. 8% for
2003. He said the increase was needed to offset expenditures for the operation of the
City's sewage collection system and for payment of costs for regional sewage treatment.
Staff recommended Council's approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 66-2002.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 67-2002 PROVIDING FOR A STORM WATER DRAINAGE
RATE CHANGE:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended a storm water fee increase of
3.8% for 2003. He said the amount would be increased from $2.91 per quarter to $3.02
per quarter for homes. He stated that the increase was needed to offset expenditures for
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 3
the operation of the City's storm water collection system. Staff recommended Council's
approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 67-2002.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 68-2002 PROVIDING FOR A WATER RATE CHANGE:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended a 3.8% increase in water rates for
2003. He said the increase was needed to offset expenditures for operation of the City's
wells and treatment and distribution facilities. He indicated that the increase would raise
costs for consumption of under 5 million gallons per quarter from $1.04 per thousand
gallons to $1.08. Staff recommended Council's approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 68-2002.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 69-2002 APPROVING RECYCLING SERVICE FEES:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated that staff recommended a 3.8% increase in the City's
quarterly recycling fee for 2003. He said the increase was needed to offset expenditures
for collection of recyclables and for other solid waste abatement programs. He indicated
that the increase would raise quarterly fees from $5.73 to $5.95, or by $.88 per year. Staff
recommended Council's approval.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 69-2002.
7. APPROVE DEFERRAL OF THE 2001 STREET IMPROVEMENT ASSESS-
MENT FOR 5800 TENNISON DRIVE N.E.
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated the deferral is in the amount of $1,002.66. He said the
deferral is permitted for senior citizens who meet the City's income guidelines. Under this
program, the City's costs will be reclaimed from the proceeds of the sale of the residence
at such time as it is sold. Staffrecommended Council's approval.
APPROVED.
8. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
REPLACEMENT PROJECT NO. 341
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the amount of the change order is $849.52. It is for
the replacement of railings below the bridge. Staff recommended approval of this change
order.
APPROVED.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 4
9. APPROVE ADDITIONAL PAYMENT OF REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES TO
OERTEL ARCHITECTS FOR THE MUNICIPAL GARAGE EXPANSION
PROJECT:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated that the payment amount, $2,295.46, was for the
production of bid and construction documents. These costs exceeded expectations due to
the larger than expected number of bidders for the garage expansion and remodeling
project. Staffrecommended Council's approval.
APPROVED.
10. APPROVE MEDIATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
OF FRIDLEY AND LAMETTI & SONS AND THERMORETEC CORP.
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated the payment, $49,494.15, was for an insurance claim
made against the City as a result of a 1999 incident in which a sewer interceptor was
severed in the Northtown Rail Yards. The broken sewer line resulted in damage to the
line and sewage back up that caused considerable damage to the API property on Main
Street in Fridley.
Dr. Burns stated that as a result of negotiations with the various parties involved,
including the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, the City agreed to accept about
46% of the responsibility for damages. Staff recommended Council's approval of this
agreement.
APPROVED.
11. APPOINTMENT - CITY EMPLOYEE:
Dr. Burns, City Manager, stated staff recommended the appointment of Craig E. Hanson
to the position of Public Services Worker - Sewer Division. He said that Mr. Hanson had
more than 10 years of experience as a Public Utilities Worker for the City of Wayzata and
had obtained the relevant licenses needed to operate in this area.
APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF CRAIG E. HANSON.
12. CLAIMS:
APPROVED CLAIM NOS. 108366 THROUGH 108588.
13. LICENSES:
APPROVED ALL LICENSES AS SUBMITTED.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 5
14. ESTIMATES:
APPROVED THE FOLLOWING ESTIMATES:
Ron Kassa Construction
6005 — 250t'` Street E
Elko, MN 55020
2002 Miscellaneous Concrete Repair
Project No. 344
FINAL ESTIMATE .............................................................. $ 4,640.48
Newquist & Ekstrum, Chartered
301 Fridley Plaza Office Building
6401 University Avenue N.E.
Fridley, MN 55432-4381
Services Rendered as City Prosecuting
Attorney for the Month of June, 2002 ...................................... $ 20,259.00
No persons in the audience spoke regarding the proposed consent agenda items.
MOTION by Councilmember Billings to adopt the proposed consent agenda with the exception
of Item 1 to be removed and placed on the regular agenda. Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adopt the agenda with the addition of Item 1.
Seconded by Councilmember Wolfe.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OPEN FORUM:
Mr. Tom Myhra, 6360 Able Street N.E., presented copies of a brochure to Council prepared by
the Taxpayers League Foundation regarding the state's transportation system.
Mr. Dick Snyder, 5901 Second Street N.E., asked Mr. Haukaas about the streets in Hyde Park.
He said the City went through Hyde Park, oiled the cracks in the road, put the black top down
and leveled it off, and nothing has been done since. He asked if anything would be done.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 6
Mr. Haukaas replied that what Mr. Snyder was referring to was the preparation for ne�t year's
sealcoating project. He said that area will be completed in the spring.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 102 OF THE
FRIDLEY CITY CODE REPEALING THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION:
Councilmember Billings indicated that there must be a unanimous vote of the City Council to
eliminate the Civil Service Commission. He said because one member was not present, he was
going to move to table this item until the ne�t Council meeting.
MOTION by Councilmember Billings to table this item until the City Council meeting on
December 9, 2002. Seconded by Councilmember Barnette.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS:
15. INFORMAL STATUS REPORTS.
Mr. Hickok, Community Development Director, stated in October, Mr. Myhra requested that the
City form a Blue Ribbon Committee to review the Comprehensive Plan approved by the City in
the year 2000. Mr. Myhra indicated he had read the first couple of chapters and believed the plan
did not accurately reflect the direction of the people of Fridley.
Mr. Hickok said the City of Fridley adopted the Comprehensive Plan in March of 2000. Prior to
that, the City embarked on a 2'/z year process, one that involved soliciting public comments,
drafting plans, and then soliciting additional comments. Minn. Stat. §478.64 outlined the
Comprehensive Plan that is required of municipalities in the State of Minnesota. The
Comprehensive Plan was required by December 31, 1998. The City of Fridley requested and
received a six-month e�tension. The Plan was approved by the Metropolitan Council and the City
of Fridley. The ne�t major amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are due by December 31,
2008. He indicated there was a process to follow for minor amendments.
Mr. Hickok stated that a Blue Ribbon Committee that would address the Comprehensive Plan
would be a wonderful thing. The original Comprehensive Plan and consultant costs were in excess
of $50,000, and staff costs are probably above the same. The City invested that kind of money in
the planning process would like citizens to offer feedback. When the Comprehensive Plan was
developed, they sent invitations out to all the neighborhoods in the City. That was an opportunity
for people to prepare their statements and to make comments about what they thought the
Comprehensive Plan could be. Those comments were considered and integrated into the Plan.
He said as they move forward, it was important to receive additional feedback. With a deadline of
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 7
2008 for the ne�t amendment, staff did anticipate that additional citizen input and visioning
sessions would be necessary and would begin the process formally in early 2006.
Mr. Hickok said that the right solution for review of the Comprehensive Plan like was to review
the entire te�t. Comprehensive Plan elements are integrated and interwoven, and changing one
area without considering the rest of the document, was not recommended. He stated that they
welcomed citizens' comments as part of the process. In the interim, he said staff recommended
that any and all residents interested in participating on the Blue Ribbon Committee that was
suggested, keep that interest and be part of the comprehensive planning process between 2006
and 2008.
Mr. Myhra, 6360 Able Street N.E., approached and indicated that he had been on the Planning
Commission from 1968 to 1972. He said that after the Brandes Place matter, he obtained a copy
of the Comprehensive Plan for the City and started reading it and was astounded with the total
change in housing in Fridley. He said in the first half of the plan, it stated we had to have diversity
because of low income. He asked why. He stated no Councilmember ever mentioned anything
about housing. He stated he does not think they need any more low income housing. He
indicated that Fridley is comprised of 30 percent rental and 18 percent government-assisted
housing. He indicated that the Blue Ribbon Committee would work to restore the city
government. It would be a direct voice of the people and the goal would be the Comprehensive
Plan.
Mr. Myhra indicated that Fridley had enough low income property and needed more property for
senior citizens. He stated that the Community Development Department must understand that
their first loyalty belonged to the people of Fridley. He stated he was sure Council voted on the
Comprehensive Plan and asked how many of them actually read it. He said he believed the City's
zoning ordinances were important. He stated that when he was on the Planning Commission,
their first responsibility was to make sure there were no changes unless Fridley wanted them.
Mayor Lund asked Mr. Hickok if he recalled when the prior Comprehensive Plan was in effect.
Mr. Hickok replied it was in the late 1980's. The process went from 1987 to 1989 and it was in
effect until recently.
Councilmember Barnett asked Mr. Myhra how he was recruiting the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Mr. Myhra replied they have a base of 1,000 people.
Councilmember Barnett asked if he was going to ask people.
Mr. Myhra replied they are going to send information to people. He said they could perhaps have
them review sections.
Councilmember Barnette asked if they planned to make recommendations.
Mr. Myhra indicated that was correct.
FRIDLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 2002 PAGE 8
Councilmember Wolfe commented it sounded like Mr. Myhra was going to get a group together
because he does not like the way the City of Fridley is being run.
Mr. Myhra replied that he thought it was something they needed to go back to.
Mayor Lund stated he recalled that several visioning meetings were held.
Mr. Myhra recalled being told that his house was not the kind that people would want to move
into. He said that on Able, between West Moore Drive and Mississippi, there are 43 homes: 4
young couples with no children, 11 couples with two children, 5 middle-aged single people, 9
couples who are in their 70's and 80's, and 9 widows or widowers in their 70's and 80's. There are
18 homes on that street that will be up for sale within 20 years. The prices on the homes from the
70's have gone up too high. When he bought his house, it was four times his annual salary. For a
$150,0000 home, a couple would now have to make $40,000 to support it.
Mayor Lund acknowledged that there were some students in the audience for a school class. He
welcomed them and thanked them for coming.
ADJOURN:
MOTION by Councilmember Barnette to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember
Wolfe.
UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, MAYOR LUND DECLARED THE
NOVEMBER 4, 2002, CITY COUNCIL MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise M. Letendre Scott J. Lund
Recording Secretary Mayor