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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-2001 Council MinutesORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 • ROLL The Council met on the above - mentioned date with the following members present: Acting Mayor Bob Sansevere, Council Members Jim White and Jay Nygard. Representing staff were City Attorney Tom Barrett, City Administrator Ron Moorse, Planning Director Michael Gaffron, Zoning Administrator Paul Weinberger, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, Public Services Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Alissa Winternheimer. Council Member Richard Flint and Mayor Barbara Peterson were absent. Acting Mayor Sansevere called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve /Amend Items 7, 8, 9, and 12 were added to the Consent Agenda. White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve the consent agenda as amended. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. • PUBLIC COMMENTS Peter Kramer of 2140 North Shore Drive stated that he was representing the Crystal Bay Park neighborhood. He stated the neighbors were in opposition to the proposed Sprint Telecommunications tower for several reasons: 1) aesthetics, 2) safety issues, 3) property values, 4) setting a precedent that would let other towers in the area 5) microwaves and radiation, 6) noise, 7) poor location choice. He also asked if there was any proof that the tower would increase the emergency capabilities of the community, and he presented a petition opposed to the tower. Acting Mayor Sansevere stated that the Council did not support the Sprint proposal, and had asked them to do more homework regarding other options that would have lesser impact. If Sprint follows through, their proposal would go through the Parks Commission, Planning Commission, and the City Council with Public Hearings at each stage. Moorse stated that the City code does not allow the tower, so the Council would have to amend the code. Todd Smith of 1380 Arbor Road asked why Sprint was proposing a tower in Orono. Moorse stated they need coverage in this area. One possibility would be for them to install • a small antenna on an existing emergency siren pole. f ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 Public Comments — Continued • Peter Kramer asked if Federal law would allow Sprint to put a tower wherever they want. Barrett stated Sprint has certain rights, but the City also has some ability to regulate towers. Lorraine Kaly of 1395 Brown Road asked why Sprint was offering to pay $850 per month, instead of buying property. White stated that a lease would be a tax write -off. Greg Peterson of 1355 Arbor Road stated that one corner of their proposed tower's concrete pad would be 10' from a play area. John Gilmore of 2150 Prospect Avenue asked if the City would have to change its ordinance. Nygard stated they would, with a 4 /5ths vote. Steve Miller of French Creek Drive stated that the previous Council refused a variance for the Art Center to exceed the 30' height restriction, and Council should deny the tower for that reason, among others. Ed Tekeric of 2990 Casco Point Road stated that he had received a letter regarding storage of junk on private property. He keeps arid restores cars on his property. He stated he has a row of trees 10 – 20' tall around his property and that his cars are not visible from the road. He stated he is willing to clean up his property, install a privacy fence, or a gate • across his driveway, but would like to continue his hobby. Weinberger stated that 5 or 6 vehicles are kept in the yard, without licenses, and should, under the ordinance, be kept in an enclosed building. Mr. Tekeric stated that in other cities non - running vehicles are allowed to be kept as cargo on a licensed trailer, with a license, or if covered by a tarp. He stated he currently has 6 non - running, non - licensed, vehicles and 4 running, licensed vehicles. White suggested Mr. Tekeric write to the City and pursue formal action on the issue. PUBLIC HEARING Acting Mayor Sansevere opened the Public Hearing at 8:15. Moorse stated that the hearing concerned three items: 1. TIF District No. 1 -1, 2. Housing Program, and 3. TEFRA. All three items were related as part of a financial package for the Orono Woods Senior Housing project. He stated that the project includes 20% of the units affordable to households at 50% or less of the median income. To do that the City is setting up a tax increment financing district to assist with the financing, and is considering • 2 f ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 rPublic Hearing — Continued providing for the issuance of housing revenue bonds in the amount up to $9 million. Moorse also stated that Council would not take action at the meeting because two members were absent. There were no public comments. Acting Mayor Sansevere closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. Sansevere moved, and Nygard seconded, to continue items 2, 3, and 4 to the May 29'h Council meeting. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES *5. Regular Council Meeting of April 23, 2001 White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 23, 2001. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. 0 PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS — DEBORA HALVORSON, REPRESENTATIVE Halvorson stated that the Parks Commission met on May 7`h with seven residents in attendance, five of whom were concerned about the Forest Lake landing. The neighbors on both sides of the landing had structures on City property. The neighbors were questioning the exact location of the access and were no longer comfortable using the access. She requested the Council commission a survey to mark the property corners. Gappa stated that the landing was already being surveyed. Halvorson stated that the other two residents in attendance stated their appreciation for the Navarre Park renovations, and volunteered to help with the plantings. Rick Meyers has been acquiring plants through donations and seeking volunteers to help with the plantings. There is also an Eagle Scout who has volunteered to install benches. Halvorson stated that the next park that will need renovation is Hackberry Park; and the Parks Commission plans to request funds in July or August for those renovations. Moorse stated that it could be a while before funds become available to renovate that park. Halvorson also stated that Crystal Bay Park would need attention in the future. ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS— DEBORA JL4LVORSON, REPRESENTATIVE—Continued She suggested the Council consider requiring 10 –15% of pull -tab profits go to the parks. White suggested that staff prepare something for the Council to review. Halvorson stated there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Baker Park/Orono connection on Thursday, May 17th. There was a work session scheduled for May 24th to look at lake access points. White suggested they take photos of other cities' lake access points for ideas. Halvorson stated the annual Park Tour was scheduled for Monday, June 4th at 5:00 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS —DALE LINDQUIST, REPRESENTATIVE None. Public Comments appear between item 1 and item 2. ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT • 6. Consideration of No Wake Limitations for Long Lake Gaffron stated that the City of Long Lake had requested Orono establish a minimum wake regulation during high water periods on Long Lake because of a Long Lake resident's complaint. The resident was concerned that boat wakes would result in damage to the shoreline during high water periods. The LMCD makes a High Water Declaration when Lake Minnetonka reaches and maintains an elevation of .6' above the Ordinary High Water for a period of 8 days, and triggers a Minimum Wake regulation. There is no comparable regulation for Long Lake. The Police Department is concerned that enforcement of such a regulation on Long Lake would be difficult, or impossible. Council determined that barring a large volume of complaints, the issue was not worth pursuing. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Acting Mayor Sansevere stated that he had noticed there were no signs up for "No Parking of Trailers" around Noerenberg Park. Gappa stated they had sent the revised resolution to Hennepin County, and he would call the County to follow -up on the issue. is 4 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 0 MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT -- Continued Nygard stated that Sprint had been allowed to make an informal presentation to Council, and in future, he'd rather they have to go through the whole process of bringing a formal proposal to Council. PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR'S REPORT *7. Extension of Joint Powers Agreement for West Hennepin Recycling Commission — Resolution No. 4651 White moved, and Nygard seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 4651 approving the extension of the Joint Powers Agreement of the West Hennepin Recycling Commission. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. *8. No Parking Sign— Forest Lake Landing White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve installation of a "No Parking" sign at the turnaround area on Forest Lake Landing. • Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. *9. Approve Golf Course Retaining Wall White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve a budget adjustment for the year 2001 Golf Course Capital Budget to include $7,000 for the installation of a boulder retaining wall. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 10. Acquisition of property at 3770 Shoreline Drive Moorse stated that Council had authorized staff to offer $230,000 for the property. When the property owner countered at $235,000, staff agreed subject to Council approval and an environmental review of the property. He suggested funding the purchase from the General Fund (50 %) and the Community Investment Fund (50 %). He stated that they were still in negotiations and the deal was not yet finalized. White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve the purchase of the property at 3770 Shoreline Drive, at a cost of $235,000, and to authorize the expenditure of up to is $27,000 for the environmental review and the removal of a house and debris from f 5 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 10. Acquisition of property at 3770 Shoreline Drive Continued the site. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. 11. Proclamation of Law Enforcement Week — Resolution No. 4652 Moorse stated that the week of May 13 – 20 had been designated as National Law Enforcement Week. He read the resolution proclaiming the week of May 13 – 20 as Law Enforcement Week in Orono and recognizing the Orono Police Department for their outstanding service to the community. White moved, and Nygard seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 4652 proclaiming the week of May 13 – 20, 2001 as Law Enforcement Week in the City of Orono. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. Moorse stated that on Wednesday, he would present the proclamation to the Police Department during an appreciation ceremony. Sansevere stated that Chief Good is doing a great job in Orono. *12. Budget Amendments for Year 2000 • White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve the 2000 budget amendments for • the General, Special Revenue, and Internal Service Funds as presented, to be effective December 31, 2000. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. 13. 2001/2002 Police Officer Contract Settlement Moorse stated that the Police Officers have agreed on a 2 -year contract for 2001/2002, with pay and benefit increases, at about the same level as the City's non -union employees and that keep them competitive with the market. For 2001 they would receive a 3% increase in January, and a.5% increase in July, with a $410 per month insurance contribution. For 2002 they would receive a 3.5% increase in January, and a.5% increase in July, with a $460 per month insurance contribution. They are also changing the pay schedule to increase the starting rate. Sansevere moved, and White seconded, to approve the 2001/2002 Police Officer Contract Settlement. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. 40 6 f • 0 0 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT None. *14. LICENSES Special Event 1. Amy Beeler Herman 3. Rick Born/Matthew Stewart Wedding Party 40' of July Celebration 3825 Cherry Avenue 1535 Bohns Point Road August 4, 2001 July 4, 2001 4:00 p.m. —10:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to midnight 2. Gregg Tripp 4. Le Gran Homes Corp. July Party Parade of Homes 3229 Casco Circle 825 Willow Drive July 1, 2001 September 8 — September 30 1:00 P.M. —11:00 P.M. 12 noon — 6:00 p.m. on days listed White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve the above licenses. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. *15. BILLS White moved, and Nygard seconded, to approve payment of the All Funds Account. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. Acting Mayor Sansevere reopened the Public Hearing regarding the Orono Woods financing package at 8:57 p.m. Acting Mayor Sansevere entered into the record a letter from the Hennepin County Taxpayer Services Department responding to the City's tax increment finance plan. White moved, and Nygard seconded to close the Public Hearing at 8:59 p.m. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. 7 ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001 Moorse stated that the City will move to summer hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Monday — Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. Friday, May 291h - August 31St ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. ATTEST: Linda S. Vee, City Clerk 0