HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 09/07/1999 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRM CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER
Council Chamber
8080 Mitchell Road
CITY COUNCIL:
Acting Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Sherry Butcher-Younghans,Ronald Case, and Ross
Thorfinnson, Jr.
CITY COUNCIL STAFF:
City Manager Chris Enger,Parks &Recreation Services Director Bob Lambert,Public Safety
Director Jim Clark,Public Works Services Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development and
Financial Services Director Don Uram,Management Services Director Natalie Swaggert, City
Attorney Ric Rosow and Council Recorder Peggy Rasmussen
I. ROLL CALL/CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
Acting Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Jean
Harris was absent.
H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Thorfinnson requested Item X.A. I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION be moved on the
agenda to follow Item IV. Enger added Item VI. F. LINCOLN PARC APARTMENTS
PROJECT. Tyra-Lukens added Item X.B. SOUTHWEST METRO. Case added Item
XH. A. under Reports of Councilmembers.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, Case seconded, approval of the Agenda as
published and amended. Motion carried 4-0.
IV. MINUTES
A. CITY COUNCIL FORUM HELD TUESDAY,AUGUST 17, 1999
Case made a correction to Page 1, Item A, the last paragraph, which should read
"Case asked that a chart be prepared showing the projected growth in the goose
population over the next decade."
MOTION: Case moved, Thorfinnson seconded, approval of the minutes of the
City Council Forum held Tuesday, August 17, 1999, as published and amended.
Motion carried 4-0.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 2
B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY,AUGUST 17, 1999
Tyra-Lukens made a correction on Page 16, under the motion for VI. C., the last
condition should read"The architecture of all of the buildings on all three projects
should be redesigned to be complementary, residential in nature, and to include
more detail and texture reflective of a traditional downtown."
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, Case seconded, approval of the minutes
of the City Council Meeting held Tuesday, August 17, 1999, as published and
amended. Motion carried 4-0.
C. CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1999
Case made a correction to page 3,paragraph 4, the second sentence,which should
read"It is government's responsibility. . . ."
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, Case seconded, approval of the minutes
of the City Council Workshop held Tuesday, August 24, 1999, as published and
amended. Motion carried 4-0.
X. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
A. I-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
Lisa Radeunz, a consultant to the I-494 Commission, gave an update on the
commission's work. The commission is working with MnDOT, the County,
private business and the Metro Council on infrastructure changes. The
commission has developed a prioritization process for reconstruction as funds are
available. It identified 32 infrastructure improvements along the corridor, and
MnDOT has helped to obtain federal dollars for four of those projects.
The commission is identifying and pursuing new sources of funding for projects
and encouraging private investment. Ms. Radeunz has been meeting with the
Metro Council, MnDOT, Eden Prairie, Southwest Metro Transit, and the I-494
Corridor Commission to prepare a demonstration project for a grant that would be
used to identify alternatives for getting in and out of the Golden Triangle area,
improving the infrastructure, and working with employers in the area to develop
services, encourage car pooling, etc. This project is moving forward and could
start as early as this fall, once final approval is obtained.
Thorfinnson, Chair of the I-494 Commission, added he has made trips to
Washington and also to the Metro Council to obtain transportation funds. In the
next six to nine months the I-494 Corridor Commission hopes to have support to
receive federal transportation funding.
Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens thanked Thorfinnson for representing the Council on
the I-494 Corridor Commission and Ms. Radeunz for the hard work she has done
on behalf of the commission.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 3
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST
B. FLAGSHIP CORPORATE CENTER Request by Opus Northwest L.L.C. 2nd
Reading of Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 9.2 acres, Planned
Unit Development District Review with waivers on 9.2 acres, Zoning District
Change from Rural and C-Reg-Ser to Office on 9.2 acres, Site Plan Review on 9.2
acres, and Preliminary Plat of 11.2 acres into 2 lots. Location: North of Flagship
Athletic Club, west side of Prairie Center Drive, south of Technology Drive.
(Ordinance 1-99-PUD-1-99 for PUD District Review and Zoning District
Change and Resolution 99-150 for Site Plan Review)
C. EDEN SHORES SENIOR CAMPUS by SilverCrest Properties, LLC. 2nd
Reading of Guide Plan Change from Low Density Residential and Neighborhood
Commercial to Neighborhood Commercial/High Density Residential on 11.5
acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 11.5 acres,
Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 11.5 acres, Site Plan Review on
11.5 acres and Preliminary Plat of 11.5 acres into one lot. Location: East of
Highway 212 at Fountain Place. (Ordinance 22-99-PUD-17-99 for PUD District
Review and Zoning District Change and Resolution 99-151 for Site Plan
Review)
D. SPRING HILL SUITES by GSH Lodging, L.L.C. 2nd Reading of Planned Unit
Development Concept Amendment on 4.12 acres to the overall Town Place PUD,
Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 4.12 acres, Zoning
District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 4.12 acres, Site
Plan Review on 4.12 acres and Preliminary Plat on 4.12 acres into 2 lots.
Location: Den Road and Leona Road. (Ordinance 23-99-PUD-18-99 for PUD
District Review and Zoning District Amendment and Resolution 99-152 for
Site Plan Review)
E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-153 APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
SPRINGHILL SUITES ADDITION
F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-154 APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR
NORTH BLUFF 1ST ADDITION
G. APPROVE SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE NO. 25-99
AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 9 RELATING TO USE OF
PARKLAND
H. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-155 APPROVING TRAFFIC CONTROL
SIGNAL AGREEMENT AT MITCHELL ROAD AND ANDERSON
LAKES PARKWAY/SCENIC HEIGHTS ROAD,I.C. 96-5397
I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-156 APPROVING TRAFFIC CONTROL
SIGNAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AT MITCHELL ROAD AND
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 4
ANDERSON_ LAKES PARKWAY / SCENIC HEIGHTS ROAD, I.C. 96-
539E
J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-157 AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF BELL
OAKS LOTS FROM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT
K. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-158 DIRECTING FEASIBILITY STUDY
FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO CEDAR FOREST ROAD,
CEDARCREST DRIVE AND VALLEY ROAD IN SECTION 20 AND 29,
I.C. 99-5491
L. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-159 AUTHORIZING FEASIBH TTY
STUDY FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO CRESTWOOD TERRACE
AND DELL DRIVE,I.C. 98-5474
M. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER TO CONTRACT FOR WELL PUMP
HOUSE NO. 13,I.C. 98-5475
N. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR INDIAN CHIEF ROAD
WATERMAIN EXTENSION,I.C. 99-5492
O. APPROVE QUIT CLAIM DEEDS FOR CSAH 1 CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT,I.C. 94-5369
P. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-160 TO CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN
THE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to approve Items A-P
on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS
A. EDEN PRAIRIE MALL — VON MAUR by General Growth Properties.
Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 80 acres, Planned
Unit Development District Review with waivers on 10 acres, Zoning District
Amendment within the Regional Commercial Service District on 10 acres, and
Site Plan Review on 10 acres. Location: Eden Prairie Mall — East Side.
(Resolution No. 99-161 for PUD Concept Review and Ordinance for PUD
District Review and Zoning Amendment)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on August 12,
1999, in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 48 property owners. After the
proponent makes his presentation and the Staff report, the meeting will be open
for the public to speak.
Bill Motion, Senior Development Director for General Growth, is in charge of the
redevelopment of Eden Prairie Center. He said the building of a 160,582 square
foot Von Maur department store is the second phase of the redevelopment. The
first phase is currently under way with the building of a multi-screen theater and
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 5
retail space. Von Maur would be located between Kohl's and Mervyn's. It is
scheduled to begin construction this fall and open in the spring of 2001.
Butcher-Younghans inquired if the bridge from the parking ramp to the
department store would be covered. Moston explained the lower level would be
covered but not the upper level, as it would not be practical to cover that entrance.
Uram said the Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve this project. The
developer is requesting a parking dimension waiver for bay width from 63 to 60
feet for deck parking. This is consistent with the waiver granted for ADC
Telecommunications, and the Planning Commission approved this request.
Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens inquired if anyone wished to address the Council.
Laura Bluml, 10540 West Riverview Drive, said she would like to see the City
require, or strongly recommend, access to the mall for pedestrians and bicyclists
from area neighborhoods.
MOTION: Case moved, Thorfinnson seconded, to close the public hearing and
adopt Resolution 99-161 for PUD Concept Review on 80 acres; and Approve 1"
Reading of the Ordinance for PUD Zoning District Amendment within the
Regional Commercial Service Zoning District on 10 acres; and direct Staff to
prepare a Developer's Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff
recommendations; and direct Staff to issue a land alteration permit and footing
and foundation permit to General Growth Properties, Inc. to proceed with
construction at their own risk. Discussion followed.
Case inquired if there are plans to build a pedestrian trail, as requested. Butcher-
Younghans said this was also brought up at the Planning Commission meeting.
Moston said General Growth is receptive to the idea. They have to balance the
conflict between pedestrians and automobiles, but he pledged to do this at the
Planning Commission meeting and would repeat that pledge. Tyra-Lukens asked
if this would include provision for bicyclists, and Moston replied it would.
Thorfimson said it is critical to provide sidewalks. He sees more people walking
from Prairie Meadows up to the mall. It is hard for them to cross Prairie Center
Drive and also to cross the mall's parking area.
Motion carried 4-0.
B. LARIAT OFFICE BUILDING by Lariat Companies, Inc. Request for Zoning
District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 2.28 acres and Site
Plan Review on 2.28 acres. Location: 8205 Commonwealth Drive. (Ordinance
for Zoning District Amendment)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on August 26,
1999, in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 20 property owners. He asked the
proponent to make his presentation.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 6
The proponent said this proposal is for a 17,250 square foot office building.
There will be a total of 123 diameter inches of significant tree loss, and tree
replacement of 119 caliper inches is included in the landscaping plan. They have
requested an early grading permit from the Watershed District.
Uram said this is one of the easier projects Staff and the Planning Commission
have reviewed. The Planning Commission approved it by a vote of 5-0.
Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens asked if anyone wished to address the Council. No
one did.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Case, to close the public
hearing; and approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for Zoning District
Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 2.28 acres; and direct Staff
to prepare a Developer's Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff
recommendations; and direct Staff to issue a land alteration permit to Lariat
Companies to proceed with construction at their own risk. Motion carried 4-0.
C. PHILLIPS &TEMRO INDUSTRIES,INC.by Phillips and Temro Industries, Inc.
Request for Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Zoning District on 7.44 acres,
Site Plan Review on 7.44 acres and Preliminary Plat of 7.44 acres into one lot.
Location: 9700 West 74th Street. (Ordinance for Zoning District Amendment and
Resolution No. 99-162 for Preliminary Plat)
Enger stated official notice of this public hearing was published on August 26,
1999, in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 36 property owners. He asked the
proponent to make his presentation.
Vic Pearlbacs, Architect of Record for the proponent, said he has been working
with the staff of Phillips and Temro on this addition. This project is an addition
of 9,083 square feet to the front of the building for offices and 29,336 square feet
of warehouse to the rear. They propose to replat the existing land into one parcel.
The site plan shows improvements planned for expansion with new and existing
landscaping. He has also been working with City Staff on tree replacement.
Uram said the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the
project. Phillips and Temro Industries will have 165 employees in the plant and
expect to see a growth rate of 65 percent.
Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens inquired if anyone wished to address the Council. No
one did.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Thorfinnson, to close the
public hearing; and approve 1 st Reading of the Ordinance for PT-JD Zoning District
Amendment within the I-2 Zoning District on 7.44 acres; and adopt Resolution
99-162 for Preliminary Plat on 7.44 acres into one lot; and direct Staff to prepare
a Developer's Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations.
Motion carried 4-0.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 7
D. CITY HILL FELLOWSHIP by City Hill Fellowship. Request for Planned Unit
Development Concept Amendment on 7.9 acres, Planned Unit Development
District Review on 7.9 acres, Zoning District Amendment within the Public
Zoning District on 7.9 acres, Site Plan Review on 7.9 acres and Preliminary Plat
on 7.9 acres into one lot. Location: 12901 Roberts Drive. (Resolution 99-163 for
PUD Concept Amendment, Ordinance for PUD District Review and Zoning
Amendment, and Resolution 99-164 for Preliminary Plat)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on August 26,
1999, in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 60 property owners. He asked the
proponent to make his presentation.
Senior Pastor Richard Kao of City Hall Fellowship said the church is
experiencing growth and plans a 15,164 square foot addition to the existing
structure. He introduced their lead architect, Bob Lambert, who reviewed the site
plan, showing the addition of space for offices, Sunday school and a day care.
The parking lot has space for 187 cars.
Uram said the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve the project as
proposed.
Butcher-Younghans said at the Planning Commission meeting a woman
expressed concern that the day care providers would lead children through her
yard to a nearby park. Uram said agreement was reached that this would not
happen. Kao said there is now a landscaping berm on that side of the building
that wasn't there previously.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Case, to close the public
hearing; and adopt Resolution no. 99-163 for PUD Concept Review on 7.9 acres;
and approve 1st Reading of the Ordinance for PUD Zoning District Amendment
within the Public Zoning District on 7.9 acres; and adopt Resolution no. 99-164
for Preliminary Plat on 7.9 acres into one lot; and direct Staff to prepare a
Developer's Agreement incorporating Commission and Staff recommendations.
Discussion followed:
Case said he is happy the farm building on the site will be preserved. He was told
it is being used as a residence.
Motion carried 4-0.
There was a request for an early grading permit.
MOTION: Butcher-Younghans moved, seconded by Case, to approve an early
grading permit at risk of the builder. Motion carried 4-0.
E. OFFICE RIDGE CIRCLE SOUTH by Cluts, O'Brien, Strother, Request for
Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 8.87 acres to the overall 31
acre Bryant LakeCenter/Lakeridge Office Park PUD, Planned Unit Development
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 8
District Review with waivers on 8.87 acres, Zoning District Change from
Commercial Regional Service to Office on 1.67 acres, Zoning District
Amendment within the Office District on 7.2 acres, Site Plan Review on 8.87
acres, and Preliminary Plat of 3.85 acres into 1 lot, and 1 outlot. Location:
Between Market Place Drive & Office Ridge Circle. (Resolution No. 99-165 for
PUD Concept Amendment, Ordinance for PUD District Review and Zoning
Change, and Resolution No. 99-166 for Preliminary Plat)
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on August 26,
1999, in the Eden Prairie News and sent to 52 property owners. He asked the
proponent to make his presentation.
Dan O'Brien of Cluts, O'Brien, Strother Architects, said this is a proposal for a
28,650 square foot, three-story building located between Market Place Drive and
Office Ridge Circle. The first floor is enclosed parking. It also includes
elimination of a future 5,500 square foot building previously approved within the
Lake Ridge Office Park, and substituting additional parking to serve the new
building. The parking exceeds the zoning ordinance. Three waivers have been
requested: a front yard structure setback of 20 feet along I-494, zero lot line
setback to parking, and a building height of 32 feet.
Uram said the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval, subject to
conditions in the Staff report.
Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens asked if anyone wished to address the Council. No
one did.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to close the public
hearing; and adopt Resolution No. 99-165 for PUD Concept Amendment on 8.87
acres; and approve Vt Reading of the Ordinance for PUD District Review and
Zoning District Change from Commercial Regional Services to Office on 1.67
acres and Zoning District Amendment within the Office District on 7.2 acres; and
adopt Resolution No. 99-166 for Preliminary Plat on 3.85 acres into one lot and
one outlot; and direct Staff to prepare a Developer's Agreement incorporating
Commission and Staff recommendations. Motion carried 4-0.
F. LINCOLN PARC APARTMENTS PROJECT by Community Housing
Corporation of America, Request to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Proposed
Multifamily Housing Program and Issuance of Multifamily Housing Revenue
Bonds to finance the cost of a proposed multifamily housing development under
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as amended, on behalf of Community Housing
Corporation of America, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, or a nonprofit
affiliate (the "Borrower"), consisting of the acquisition, construction and
equipping of a 186-unit multifamily rental housing development to be owned by
the Borrower and located at 8030 Eden Road in the City (Lincoln Parc
Apartments). (Resolution No.99-167)
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 9
Enger said official notice of this public hearing was published on August 26,
1999,in the Eden Prairie News.
Jack Brandt, Hartford Financial Services, developers of the Lincoln Parc project,
said he is requesting a resolution to sell Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds to
finance the cost of the development. This will reduce rent for a one-bedroom
apartment by $300 less than the projected market rent, and a two-bedroom
apartment by $500 less than the projected market rent, as would the three-
bedroom units.
Butcher-Younghans asked how many of the one- and two-bedroom units are set
aside for affordable rental. Brandt responded 25 percent of the units would be set
aside for reduced rent out of a total of 186 units. For example, there would be 23
one-bedroom units, of which 25 percent would be set aside for reduced rent.
Uram said the City is the conduit issuer for Housing Revenue Bonds. The City is
proposing the use of TIF money. A letter was received from the Metropolitan
Council expressing supporting the City's affordable housing program and goals.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to adopt
Resolution No. 99-167 authorizing a proposed multifamily housing program and
issuance of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds, Lincoln Parc apartments
project. Motion carried 4-0.
VII. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to approve Payment of Claims as
submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Butcher-Younghans, Case,
Thorfinnson and Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens voting"aye."
VIII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-168 CERTIFYING THE CITY'S
PROPOSED 2000 LOCAL TRANSIT SERVICES TAX LEVY AND
SETTING DATE(S) FOR THE `TRUTH-IN-TAXATION" HEARINGS
Uram said on June 15, 1999, the City Council declared their intent to exercise the
Local Transit Services tax levy option for taxes payable in 2000. Certifying the
amount to be levied is the next step in the process. The amounts are as discussed
at the August 24 City Council Workshop. In conjunction with the City, this
amount must be certified to the County auditor by September 15 and final levy
adoption is required by December 30. In addition, the Council needs to set the
"Truth in Taxation"public hearing date,recommended for December 6, 1999.
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to adopt Resolution 99-168
that certifies the proposed 2000 Local Transit Services tax levy to be $2,420,528;
and sets the "Truth in Taxation" public hearing for Monday, December 6, 1999
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 10
and, if necessary, to reconvene the public hearing on Tuesday, December 21,
1999. Motion carried 4-0.
B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 99-169 CERTIFYING THE CITY'S
PROPOSED 2000 PROPERTY TAX LEVIES, SETTING THE DATE(S)
FOR THE "TRUTH-IN-TAXATION" HEARINGS, AND ACCEPTING A
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS AND TAX-
SUPPORTED OBLIGATIONS FOR 2000
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Case, to adopt Resolution 99-169
certifying the proposed 2000 net property tax levy to be $19,733,603; and setting
the "Truth in Taxation" public hearing for Monday, December 6, 1999 and, if
necessary, to reconvene the Public hearing on Tuesday, December 21, 1999; and
accepting the proposed 2000 budget of$27,062,627 as reviewed by the Council
on August 24, 1999. Motion carried 4-0.
IX. PETITIONS,REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. SET SEPTEMBER 21, 1999, TO HEAR APPEAL OF BOA ACTION FOR
MATT'S AUTO,VARIANCE 99-14
Enger said Matt Strodel, owner of Matt's Auto Service, has appealed a condition
imposed by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals on the variance request related
to the construction of a new building on his property. This condition states "That
variance approval for the outside storage of impounded vehicles be for a 5-year
period unless it continues as a City-related impound lot or until redevelopment of
the area occurs." City Staff and City Attorney Roger Pauly's opinion was that the
part of the condition that is most permissive is "until redevelopment occurs" and
negates the other two parts of the condition. He met with Strodel's attorney and
was not able to convince him that an appeal is unnecessary.
Thorfinnson said he thought the condition meant the variance approval would not
be limited to five years if he continued to operate as an impound lot. If the City
pulls the contract from Strodel after the five-year period he would be out of
business. Strodel doesn't have control of that, and Thorfinnson said he doesn't
think that is fair.
Case said he agreed with Thorfinmon. He advised Council to think over this
condition, and what would happen if the City pulls its contract. The Council
should make sure the condition is clear and that Strodel is comfortable with it.
Enger said setting a public hearing is probably the right thing to do. There is
some confusion in the wording of this condition.
MOTION: Case moved, seconded by Thorfinnson,to set September 21, 1999, to
hear the appeal of Matt Strodel, Matt's Auto Service, regarding a condition
imposed by the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. Motion carried 4-0.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 11
X. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
B. SOUTHWEST METRO TRANSIT
Tyra-Lukens reported Southwest Metro's service to the State Fair was a great
success, with more than 5,500 riders half-way through the Fair. In the future
more parking for cars may need to be provided.
This fall, Southwest Metro is providing service to the University of Minnesota
campus from the service hub, as a continuation of the downtown express route.
XI. APPOINTMENTS
XII. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
A. REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS
Case said he has learned from John Gertz, the historic preservation specialist, that
buildings at the Eden Apple Orchard were removed without a permit. There is a
$150 fine for not obtaining a permit. He recalled that buildings were torn down
last April at the Raguet homestead, when a permit was accidentally granted
without notifying Gertz, so that he could take photographs of the buildings. Case
inquired if there is a way to prevent this from happening in the future.
Enger said this was the subject of a discussion at a recent Staff meeting. It was
suggested that the permit process be tightened up. However, the buildings at
Eden Apple Orchard were taken down without a permit. Staff and Council know
these historic buildings are vulnerable, and access to these properties is needed in
order to take pictures before they are torn down.
Tyra-Lukens said she is afraid that when the City sends a letter to the property
owners stating someone is coming to take pictures, they may take the buildings
down even faster. Enger said he believes the property owners will comply if
letters are sent asking for permission to photograph buildings before they are torn
down, and reminding them that a permit is required.
Thorfinnson suggested making the fine substantial enough to use the funds for
repairing other historic buildings. Enger said fines are limited to $700.
Butcher-Younghans said she believes a grant could be obtained for recordation
and documentation of historic buildings. Enger said he would look into this.
Case said this documentation of buildings would require extra hours for John
Gertz. He wonders if consideration should be given to adding more time for his
work as historic preservation specialist. The next couple of years are crucial for
obtaining documentation.
Thorfinnson suggested having someone from a "Friends of group take the
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 7, 1999
Page 12
photographs, rather than John Gertz. Case agreed but it would still require
Gertz's time to coordinate the effort.
Thorfinnson wondered if allowing photographs to be taken of historic buildings
between the first and second reading could be a Council condition for approval of
developers' projects.
Enger said he would talk to Staff and see how documenting these properties can
best be handled. He will try to tighten up the permit process also.
B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER
Enger announced that Camp Eden Wood has been approved for designation to the
National Register. The City Council worked hard on this over the last year with
Friendship Ventures to provide a day camp for disabled young adults. Council
worked with this provider to preserve the camp and to build a new dining hall.
The City is seeking grants and is confident of obtaining them now that the camp is
on the National Register. Enger thanked Council for its hard work and support.
C. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR
D. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL
SERVICES DIRECTOR
E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES DIRECTOR
F. REPORT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES DIRECTOR
G. REPORT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY
XM. OTHER BUSINESS
A. COUNCIL FORUM INVITATION
Council Forum will be held the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6:30-
6:55 p.m. in the Training Room. This will be scheduled time following City
Council Workshops and immediately preceding regular City Council meetings.
Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens stated if you wish to visit with the City Council and
Service Area Directors at this time, it is important that you notify the City
Manager's office by noon of the meeting date with your request.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Thorfinnson moved, seconded by Butcher-Younghans, to adjourn the
meeting. Acting Mayor Tyra-Lukens adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.